2/19/2013 |
Karstens scratched from throwing sessionJeff Karstens came into camp determined to grow into a more reliable pitcher by "listening to my body." Tuesday morning, his body told him to take a step back.

2/19/2013 |
Kotchman sidelined after popup machine mishapIn hindsight, Casey Kotchman probably should have just let the machine crash to the ground. If he had, he may have reduced the damage incurred by his freakish injury that occurred on Monday at Marlins camp.

2/19/2013 |
Trader Jack makes his first spring appearanceA familiar face was back in uniform on Tuesday afternoon, as former Marlins manager Jack McKeon, who remains a special adviser in the organization, made his first appearance in Spring Training.

2/19/2013 |
Tarasco can relate as he tutors young NatsAfter third-base coach Bo Porter announced that he was leaving the Nationals to become the manager of the Astros in September, Nationals skipper Davey Johnson quickly made up his mind that Tony Tarasco would replace Porter as the outfield and baserunning coach while serving as the new first-base coach.

2/19/2013 |
Behind Trout, Kendrick might get a second chanceThe numbers seemingly say it all. Put second baseman Howie Kendrick in the No. 2 spot, where bunting, taking pitches and moving guys over is part of the job description, and he scuffles a bit. Put him lower in the lineup, freeing him up to swing the bat more aggressively in an RBI spot, and he thrives.

2/19/2013 |
Top prospect Gyorko battling for second base jobJedd Gyorko, the No. 1 prospect in the Padres system, will have the opportunity to earn the starting spot at second base during Spring Training, despite it being his secondary position.

2/19/2013 |
Worley adjusting to offseason curveballRight-hander Vance Worley is coming off elbow surgery and getting acclimated to a new team and league, but the right-hander is confident his offseason of change will lead to good things for himself and the Twins.

2/19/2013 |
Joyce turns to YouTube for hitting tipsMatt Joyce put YouTube to good use during the offseason, as the outfielder called up vintage video to study the swings of some of baseball's best hitters.

2/19/2013 |
Romo ready for challenge of closing for full seasonSergio Romo is facing his challenges in descending order. He demonstrated last October that he can walk the tightrope of the postseason without falling. Now he must prove that he can negotiate the long, bumpy road of the regular season, which forces even the best relievers to trip and puts pebbles in their shoes.

2/19/2013 |
Hannahan already endears himself to teammatesJack Hannahan, a free-agent acquisition for Cincinnati this winter, also commanded respect from his former teammates in Cleveland. Not only were they his friends, they gave him an incredible gift of generosity two seasons ago.

2/19/2013 |
Zimmerman tabbed for some spring DH dutyManager Davey Johnson said he's planning to use Ryan Zimmerman as a designated hitter during parts of Spring Training, as the Nationals third baseman recovers from offseason shoulder surgery.

2/19/2013 |
Free agent Valverde to pitch for DR in ClassicFree agent Jose Valverde may still be waiting for an offer from a Major League team for the upcoming season, but in the meantime, he will pitch for the Dominican Republic in next month's World Baseball Classic.

2/19/2013 |
Expectations weigh heavily on Trout's encoreMike Trout is 10 pounds heavier, guaranteed to start a season in the Majors for the first time, and figures to spend most of his games in left field. But it's the expectations he carries into this season, on the heels of a historic rookie campaign, that put the bar sky high and make this such a different year for the Angels' five-tool outfielder.

2/19/2013 |
Campana works out with D-backs for first timeAcquired on Monday from the Cubs, outfielder Tony Campana worked out with the D-backs for the first time on Tuesday, taking batting practice and practicing relays with his new teammates.

2/19/2013 |
Kuroda: 'Good decision' returning to YankeesHiroki Kuroda exceeded the expectations of many in his first season with the Yankees, and as much as he enjoyed the experience, it was not an easy decision for the right-hander to return.

2/19/2013 |
Gonzalez urged to embrace utility roleLongtime shortstop Alex Gonzalez has told the Brewers he is willing to try first base this spring as the team seeks an early solution at that injury-riddled position, but did not exactly seem giddy about the proposition.

2/19/2013 |
Johnson adjusts repertoire for bounce-back seasonJosh Johnson has been forced to change his approach on the mound as a result of health issues, but he believes he is in better control of his new style of pitching after a rough 2012 season. He wants to put the injuries behind him and contribute in Toronto.

2/19/2013 |
Ross will play vital role with new ballclubAt least on the depth chart, David Ross might fall under the category of backup catcher. But the reason the Red Sox brought him on board for the next two years is because that complementary role doesn't even come close to summing up what Ross can mean to the teams he plays for.

2/19/2013 |
D-backs won't be shoved aside in tough NL WestA revamped offseason has everybody in the Diamondbacks organization confident that they can compete for a spot in the postseason, regardless of the tough teams in the National League West.

2/19/2013 |
Back again: Burnett sidelined with freak injuryIt happens basically every spring. Sean Burnett's lower back will lock up, put him on the shelf for a few days, then go away. Last year, it happened while putting his glove in his locker. This year, it happened while putting his 4-year-old son in a shopping cart.